Players will be hoping for some respite at Royal Sydney after dreadful conditions plagued the opening round of the $1.5 million Australian Open.

Strong winds, driving rain and temperatures described as "freezing" by US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy were the order of the day in the first round, which ended with Nathan Green leading the way after a five-under par 67.

Jarrod Lyle and Richard Green were the next best after first rounds of 69, while Ogilvy was pleased with his 72 and Adam Scott fired a two-over 74.

Many of the other pre-tournament favourites struggled, including Aaron Baddeley (75), Stuart Appleby (75), defending champion Robert Allenby and fellow US Tour regular Rod Pampling (both 77).

Greg Norman carded a 79.

Nathan Green, who had an impressive debut season on the US Tour this year, finishing 41st on the money list, felt he played as well as the conditions would allow on the opening day.

"The conditions were tough and I didn't hit the ball unbelievable off the tee," he said.

"It was just going straight, which is all you have to do on a day like (yesterday) to try and keep it in play.

"Putting-wise I was really solid ... and I pretty much got everything out of the round I could."

Some warmer weather has been forecast for Friday, although predicted winds from the southwest are likely to cause more problems.

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